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The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden	7 Review(s)
Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/11/2025
MM! I have skipped forward to this chapter, and thank you for the heads-up in your review reply for Chapter 6. Gilraen's blurred perception and numbness are very real to life. Her world has ended or, at least, life as she knew it has ended. She probably could not conceive going on when her beloved died, and yet she has her small son who needs her, and so she must soldier on. I can imagine that simply being in Imladris would have a healing effect. Poor Elrond, with such a heavy burden on his shoulders. (Not to mention, Gilraen's son will be the agent that separates him from his only daughter someday... I wonder when he will become aware of that fact, or if he foresaw it even before he became Aragorn's foster-father? Or did he only work it out when he saw 20yo [I think?] Aragorn watching Arwen?) Such a difficult conversation. I'd never really thought about the decision to withhold Aragorn's heritage and identity from him. I can understand Gilraen's resistance and being torn between remembering her husband and protecting their son. I wonder, after Elrond informed Aragorn of his true identity, did people (Elrond, Gilraen, the Twins, Glorfindel, etc.) spend hours here and there, during down-time or, perhaps, when Aragorn might have returned to Imladris to recover from illness or injury, telling him stories about his father and grandfather, helping him get to know these dedicated Men by sharing their memories of them...? I find the idea appealing, somehow, in the middle of these tragic circumstances. Poor Erithain. Another brother lost pretty much sums it up. In the face of yet another unbearable loss, it's difficult to recognize that hope still survives and is worth guarding and preserving. O Blessed Galadriel! I actually cried when she came to Erithain in a dream. And at this: “For as long as it was needed, my lord. I am at your service always.” Erithain is neither alone nor forsaken. The chapter ends at the right point. Somehow, it contains so much food for thought, it did not feel short at all to me. I am left feeling shaken and deeply moved at the same time. I don't think I can read any more tonight, as a matter of fact. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Completely understand the skipping which is why I sent out the warning. I used to have far less trouble writing angst but then the pandemic happened and the situation we find ourselves in currently has really curtailed my desire to write angst which is why the next chapters in "Destiny's Child" will be tough but I am determined to see her happy! So I soldier on. If you can at some point the skipped chapters (in my "humble" :-) opinion) are quite good though high in angst. In answer to your reply to my "Jewels, ch. 33" review. "Destiny Child's" will end with Eowyn meeting Faramir in the Houses of Healing. And their wedding and Eomer meeting Lothiriel is in "Going Home; Coming Home" although I probably will rewrite bits of "Going Home; Coming Home" to add in characters from "Destiny's Child" that hadn't been created when I wrote "Going Home." so that should be fun! about this chapter! :-) "Gilraen's blurred perception and numbness are very real to life. Her world has ended or, at least, life as she knew it has ended. She probably could not conceive going on when her beloved died, and yet she has her small son who needs her, and so she must soldier on." Gilraen and grief, not that any of my grief has been as strong as Gilraen's I did use my own experience as a base and extrapolated from there. I am very glad that it rings true. While I'm thinking about it, in my story Elrond only realizes about Aragorn and Arwen when he sees them together when Arwen comes back from Lothlorien when Estel is twenty. Not finished, but must dash off to work... (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Lin! At break I can now finish my reply. :-) "Poor Erithain. Another brother lost pretty much sums it up. In the face of yet another unbearable loss, it's difficult to recognize that hope still survives and is worth guarding and preserving. O Blessed Galadriel! I actually cried when she came to Erithain in a dream. And at this: “For as long as it was needed, my lord. I am at your service always.” Erithain is neither alone nor forsaken." I know! Erithain has always been one of my favorite created characters. His grief to my mind be raw and unfiltered. He is left holding the bag so to speak. Every one he cares about to his mind as been taken and he is left desolate and responsible at the same time. I remembered Galadriel speaking to Frodo in his mind in the film and I ran with it. It seemed like something Galadriel could and would do. Erkenbrand was the natural choice to be Erithain's right hand. Though it does cut through the heart the change in behaviour but that is the reality of the situation. thanks for writing. I also look forward to each review of yours! (((hugs))) MM

Nurayy	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 5/12/2021
Mirkwoodmaiden You described Gilraen's grief so well, the sense of emptiness, as her life and that of her boy is completely changing. It is so sad she cannot speak with Aragorn of their memories, remind Arathorn and get comfort in it. And Erithain, so young, left in this responsibility, and missing the one he admired and followed and loved as a brother. It is hard to bear. Author Reply: Nurayy! Thanks for getting back to this story! And yes! Gilraen will undergo a great change. Expression of her grief denied her, she gives up another whole part of herself for her people and their destiny. But she always has her son. Estel is the only person that anchors her to the world. And Erithain has his own pain and grief. I thought a little intervention from Galadriel was needed. She helps he get through to the other side so He can at least function. And Erkenbrand will be there to help. So glad you are still reading! :-) I will have Chapter 13 of Destiny's Child ready to post in the next couple of days!! woo-hoo Stay safe! ((hugs)) MM

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/28/2020
That Galadriel sought so to comfort him is important. He has much to do in the next eighteen years. Author Reply: Larner! That was why I thought she needed to step in and comfort him. Erithain needed the strength at that time and who better to give it. He will face the next 18 years with the strength and grace of the best of the Dunedain! P.S. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you are re-reading my story. I am really happy that you are enjoying it and are talking the time to write back! :-) MM

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/7/2005
Not all chapters need to be longer--each should end where you sense it should. Like the movie-verse touch of the telescope and "What shall we do?" Very much appreciated, I find. Decent descriptions of settings. I find I like it well.

Eruanneth_Luin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/30/2005
Stars, I never gave thought to the grief Gilraen would no doubt feel at the loss of even the name of her only child. But had he been known to be in Imladris for a certainty deadly foes would have massed at the borders to finish the line of Isildur. Gliraen’s brother as regent is logical and believable as well. Dark would be the days and little hope left, with the Enemy closing in again. Thank you. Short or long an enjoyable read. Author Reply: Eruanneth_Luin! I was just looking back through my reviews and realised that I had never answered your last couple of reviews! Very remiss of me! About Gilraen, I tried to think about what she would have thought about what had been foist upon her by life and I could only imagine that she would have been devastated by not being able to share so many memories about Arathorn with little Estel. Parents might share memories of the loved ones with the child as a way of sharing and maybe healing, but this was for the most part denied Gilraen. Her life is torn asunder and I was thinking that she never is really allowed to mend the pieces of her life and move on. I'm so glad that you've enjoyed the story. And thanks for the reviews! MM

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/28/2003
Hi there! Welcome back. I hope all is well – I certainly missed you! Did my e-mail get through alright? What an incredibly powerful chapter. Yeah, it was short but that gave you a great opportunity for some deeper characterisation. You did a particularly good job showing Gilraen’s sense of futility and her questioning of her life now and her place in the world. She seems at a total loss as to what to do with herself, especially when she is without Aragorn to keep her focused. I’m glad Elladan and Elrohir are spending so much time with Aragorn – the child could probably benefit hugely from their influence. They’re just so amazing – I imagine Elrond must be very proud of them. I really like your portrayal of Elrond, actually. I think it’s important to see that any decision he makes is only done so with difficulty and that he is completely aware of the pain he may cause. He strikes me as so compassionate, which is exactly how I would have imagined him. I never thought before how the protection of Aragorn would have affected Gilraen in the sense that she is forced to hide so many of her memories instead of sharing them. It was his devotion to his people and his heritage that made Arathorn the man he was and yet she cannot share this with his son. That’s really quite heartbreaking - you really made me stop and think! That part with Erithain receiving the news was handled so well. The numbness, despair and reluctant acceptance of his new position... Arathorn played such an important role in his life, and his devastation is portrayed so realistically. Galadriel??! That was unexpected! But a beautiful touch. I like the way she reinforces the importance of the unity of the Dunedain. I’m beginning to suspect that Erithain has a role to play yet (yay!)... I was a little worried about him but he’s lucky to have such a friend as Erkenthal, who really must be equally devastated. Our boys’ll be alright, won’t they...?!!:)

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/27/2003
The two sections of this chapter showed the brother and sister suffering the aftermath of Arathorn's death, each in their own way. You made the pain very real. I could see how much at a loss Gilraen was as her life was stripped from her. And her brother is now alone with heavy responsibilities. Great chapter. Author Reply: Thanks Daw! I tried to stay true to how the emotions of these people would unfold. At first I thought to leave Fornost entirely and not show Erithain's pain but I developed a great fondness for him and thought he needed to express his grief! MM

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